§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Mr. Marcus Lipton (Brixton)On a point of order. May I ask for your Ruling, Mr. Speaker? I refer to page 442 of the 17th edition of Erskine May wherein these words occur:
Place of Speaking.—In both Houses every Member who speaks rises in his place and stands uncovered. The only exception to the rule is in cases of sickness or infirmity, when the indulgence of a seat is allowed, at the suggestion of a Member and with the general acquiescence of the House. The only occasion, in both Houses, when a Member speaks sitting and covered is when a question of order arises during a division.I want to submit to you that any Member objecting to the Second Reading of this or any other Bill is in effect addressing the Chair and, in strict accordance with rules of order, should rise in his place and stand uncovered when he is recording or conveying to you his objections. I am therefore suggesting to you, Sir, that the rules of order should be strictly applied in this case so that the public may know which hon. Members are in fact, or which hon. Member is in fact, objecting to the Bill, so that he may enjoy the credit or discredit of the public action which he is taking in this House today.
§ Mr. SpeakerI have great sympathy with the hon. Member in this matter. When I was an active politician I suffered from it myself. The fact is that this is the long-established practice of the House which I have no power to alter. What day?
§ Mr. LiptonFriday next.